Guide to Local Government Finance in California, 2nd edition brings the financial picture for California governments up to date, while making the book even easier to use.This new edition provides a solid foundation for those who are interested in better understanding and navigating the complexity of California local public finance. The first edition, published in 2012, introduced a unique look at local government finance covering not only the vital fundamentals - like budgeting, accounting, and investing - but also lesser known yet equally powerful forces that affect the ability of cities, counties and special districts to deliver essential services.In a constantly changing environment, economic conditions evolve, new laws are enacted, different issues become especially topical to the public and the academy. This new second edition of Guide to Local Government in California addresses those changes with discussions of Court decisions related to rate structures and pensions Fiscal reforms that were emerging in 2012 that have been advanced (or dropped) Increased interest in the early diagnosis of possible fiscal difficulties How some of the benefits of redevelopment that were lost might be recaptured, including Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts Other incremental changes to the systemIn addition, much of the statistical information contained in the numerous charts and graphs has been updated with more current data, and the graphics have been improved. The glossary has been significantly expanded to help clarify some of the technical terms used in the book.The primary purpose of this book is to provide a solid foundation for those who are interested in better understanding and navigating the complexity of California local public finance. It is an essential resource for public agency managers and other staff, including planners and policy analysts, as well as appointed and elected public officials, teachers, students, and citizens at large who want to understand and improve California’s complex system of local government finance.